Two days for the birds: Weekend Christmas Bird Count

If you were to spend 10 hours on a mid-December day counting birds, would you prefer nice, calm, sunny weather or a mild, windy, overcast day with sprinkles?

If you were to spend 10 hours on a mid-December day counting birds, would you prefer nice, calm, sunny weather or a mild, windy, overcast day with sprinkles?

Of course, you would choose the calm, sunny day.

Which day would produce the most species of birds observed?

Both situations were presented to me during back-to-back Christmas Bird Counts on Dec. 15-16, 2012. The weather conditions for each count were distinctly different, yet the results were somewhat similar.

A Christmas Bird Count is a designated count circle, 15 miles in diameter. Teams of participants are assigned sections of the circle to count as many birds as they see or hear within a 24-hour period. The Dallas Christmas Bird Count was held Dec. 15, and the weather was incredibly mild, calm and sunny. My friend Stan Galenty and I started the day at 5 a.m., calling for owls.

The moonless sky was black as velvet and incredibly silent. It felt as eerie as the nocturnal, secretive owls we pursued. By 7 a.m. we had heard five eastern screech owls respond to electronic recordings of their call, but none of the larger owls — such as the great horned — were as accommodating.

Our mission was to visit as many bird habitats as possible to find common species, as well as a few surprises.

Our first daytime birding spot was to a small, overflow basin of a larger pond. A group of mallards quacked loudly as we approached for a closer look.

Much to our surprise, an uncommon pintail duck separated from the group. It was a male, and signified its identity by a long, tapered tail; blue bill; and sleek, bi-colored neck.

Farther along, a birdfeeder harbored a variety of hungry birds including American tree sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, black-capped chickadees and eight cardinals, including five vivid males.

Later in the day, we teamed up with fellow birders Mark Kasper and Jeremiah Stone. The four of us searched riverbottom habitats in hopes of finding sparrows and other winter specialties. We found numerous species that we needed for the count, including an inquisitive northern mocking bird perched on a maple branch above a heavily fruited multi-flora rose bush.

However, the best finds of the day were an immature white-crowned sparrow and a late-season chipping sparrow.

Our team ended with 47 species, and the collective result for the Dallas count was 73 species — one of the highest totals. The unseasonably warm weather had to be a determining factor for the success of the count.

The very next day was the Tunkhannock Christmas Bird Count, for which I am the compiler. Back-to-back birding marathons, so to speak.

The forecast was not as inviting as it was for the Dallas count, as a wintery mix of rain and sleet was anticipated. With only a few hours of sleep, I woke up at 4 a.m. and picked up Stan.

The weather was warm, with steady wind and drizzle — not the best conditions for birding. It wasn't until our third nighttime stop that we heard our first of five eastern screech owls. We followed with two uncommon northern saw-whet owls and a lone bared owl.

Who would have guessed that we would find more owls during a bout of inclement weather than the day before?

At 7 a.m., we picked up team member Jon Thomas to help with daytime birding. We headed to Lake Carey and discovered it was wide open and full of waterfowl.

The best finds were two buffleheads, five gadwall and a rare northern shoveler on the lake. Furthermore, several red-breasted nuthatches, golden-crowned kinglets, yellow-bellied sapsucker, bald eagle and common raven along the woodland borders added interesting species to our list.

We proceeded to farming country and found practically what we expected, including American kestrels, red-tailed hawks and eastern bluebirds as well as uncommon species like red-winged blackbirds, brown-headed cowbirds, common grackle and ring-necked pheasants.

What we did not expect was a lone eastern coyote that ventured across a stubble cornfield. It promptly gaited across the field and into the adjoining woodlot.

The day went by remarkably fast. It seemed as if the afternoon daylight vanished as quickly as the cups of coffee we relished on that delightful, rainy day. Our team had tallied an impressive 57 species, and the collective end-of-the-day total was 74 species — the highest for the Tunkhannock count.

Who would have guessed that the less-than-favorable weather would be as productive and competitive as sunshine? All in all, our birding marathons were nothing but fun, regardless of the weather.

Christmas Bird Counts not only count birds, they bring out camaraderie, show an appreciation for nature and offer countless memories.

Contact Rick Koval at pocononaturalist@yahoo.com or write to him at PO Box 454, Dallas, PA 18612.

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